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27
Sept 2024
Success for Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough at Yorkshire in Bloom
There was success for groups in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough at last night's Yorkshire in Bloom awards ceremony.
The annual ceremony, which was held this year in Tadcaster, recognises floral efforts to brighten up towns and cities.
Yorkshire in Bloom is a regional body in the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign, which is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Five of the best winners are invited to represent Yorkshire in the RHS Britain in Bloom national finals the following year.
There were multiple winners and commendations for the Harrogate district last night. The Stray Ferret has complied a list below.
Harrogate BID win Gold at Yorkshire in Bloom 2024
Harrogate
Harrogate Business Improvement District landed three accolades: it won gold for its floral summer of celebration, and was declared category winner in the BID / Town / City Centre prize.
It and Harrogate in Bloom jointly won both Harrogate in Bloom and the Yorkshire Rose Discretionary prize for the Best Entry Supporting Tourism.
The judges said:
It was clear that the accolades that Harrogate have been awarded in the past have been well earned over a number of years and are truly deserved, showing that 'the power of flower' reigns supreme in Harrogate.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:
We are absolutely thrilled to win these three prestigious awards. It’s a true reflection of the extremely hard work that goes into contributing to our town’s floral heritage.
The Valley Gardens were awarded platinum in the Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries and Public Buildings category, while gardening charity Horticap won gold in the Charitable Establishments category.
Two Harrogate businesses – Nidd Hall Hotel and Rudding Park Hotel and Spa – won gold in the Large Business division.
Starbeck in Bloom
Starbeck in Bloom are a very enthusiastic and passionate group. It is impressive that this team celebrated their 25th anniversary last year and are still going on as strongly as ever. Community involvement can be witnessed at every point around the town – which has a feel of a village.
They also won the Best Large Community, and the Starbeck Greenway Community project and Starbeck Library Garden were also mentioned in the RHS Neighbourhood round.
Knaresborough in Bloom
Knaresborough
Knaresborough in Bloom, a small team of around eight core members, won the silver gilt in the Large Town category for its work brightening up the town.
The judging panel said:
The team are active within the community by maintaining several floral planters and six hanging baskets, as well as a local allotment site, the Bebra and Mediterranean Gardens, which helps complement the excellent displays put on show across the town by the local council, businesses and other local community groups, giving extra colour and spark to this wonderful town.
Goldsborough Hall won the Best Overall Business entry and Knaresborough Castle was awarded platinum.
Conyngham Hall achieved gold in the Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries and Public Buildings category.
The Ripon team at the Yorkshire in Bloom awards
Ripon
Ripon in Bloom was awarded the silver gilt in the BID/ town/ city centre category, narrowly losing out to Harrogate BID. The judges described Ripon as “a gem of a small city that is steeped in history”.
They added:
It exudes character and the Ripon in Bloom group continue to work with local organisations such as Ripon BID and Ripon City Council to both showcase and improve the local environment and to enhance the visitor experience.
Spa Gardens achieved gold in the Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries and Public Buildings category, while the Himalayan Gardens won gold in the Tourist Attraction round.
Ripon Workhouse Museum was also mentioned in the RHS Neighbourhood round, while Ripon Walled Garden gained another silver gilt for the city.
To see a full list of the Yorkshire in Bloom winners, click here.
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